What to Watch: AKA Charlie Sheen, The Girlfriend, Task, Top End Bub and Take 5 With Zan Rowe | USAEMALL.com

AKA Charlie Sheen

Wednesday, streaming on Netflix

There are spectacular rises and falls, and then there’s the one experienced by notorious Hollywood bad boy, Charlie Sheen. As crash-and-burns go, his is right up there.

In case you’ve been living under a rock, let’s recap: Sheen, son of acting royalty Martin, rose to prominence in the 80s as a part of Hollywood’s ‘It’ crowd, the Brat Pack. He enjoyed decades in the spotlight before crossing over into television, helming the phenomenally successful Chuck Lorre sitcom, Two And A Half Men, a show that would go on to make him millions — and also facilitate his rapid unravelling.

As his star rose — and his bank account swelled — life careened spectacularly off the rails. There were two failed marriages, a well-documented drug addiction, arrests, run-ins with call girls, an HIV-positive diagnosis … the list goes on.

Now seven years sober, Sheen is finally ready to talk about it all, starting right back at the beginning of his storied life.

“A guy like him has a lot to offer the world with that story,” the documentary’s director, Andrew Renzi, says.

“A lot of times we are scared of hearing from people who have done things we might not agree with, when in reality we should be listening to them.

“Who better to reveal these kinds of things and to talk about these missteps?”

As well as sit-down chats with Sheen, the two-parter will also see Denise Richards, Hollywood madam Heidi Fleiss, Jon Cryer, Sean Penn, Lorre, his ex Brooke Mueller and Chris Tucker all weigh in — Sheen’s father and brother, Emilio Estevez, both declined to participate, though are said to be supportive.

Strap in — this will surely be a wild ride.

Task

Monday, streaming on HBO Max

Set in the working class suburbs of Philadelphia, this drama, from Mare Of Easttown creator Brad Ingelsby, sees Mark Ruffalo and Tom Pelphrey going head-to-head as a cop and family-man thief on opposite ends of a crime task force. There’s a twist in the first episode that means audiences will want to continue to tune in as this game of cat-and-mouse heats up through the episodes. There’s lots of buzz about this one.

Only Murders In The Building

Tuesday, Disney Plus

Five seasons on and people are still dropping like flies at The Arconia. Imagine being a resident: you’d be worried sick you’re next on the kill list! This time around it’s doorman Lester who’s been offed, with Mabel, Charles and Oliver convinced that foul play is afoot. This season their search for the culprit takes them across town and deep into the city’s underbelly. This charming series continues to tick all the boxes.

Take 5 With Zan Rowe

Tuesday, 8.30pm, ABC

This season sees Zan chatting to more seriously interesting people, including Sporty Spice Melanie C, Pulp frontman Jarvis Cocker, comedian Aaron Chen, Paul Kelly and pop star, Lorde. As if that’s not impressive-enough, everyone’s favourite Foot Looser Kevin Bacon is also popping by to share the albums that bring him joy. Rowe is one of television’s most accomplished interviewers, so you know this will be top notch TV. Mark your diaries.

The Girlfriend

Wednesday, streaming on Prime Video

Ever dated a man whose mother seemed overly involved in his life? This new psychological thriller, based on the book by Michelle Frances, will be right up your alley. Robin Wright stars as Laura, a woman whose life spirals out of control after her son meets his new partner Cherry, played by House Of The Dragon’s Olivia Cooke. She’s convinced Cherry is hiding something sinister — but who is really the villain here? One for anyone who’s ever sparred with the mother-in-law from hell.

Top End Bub

Friday, streaming on Prime Video

If you loved Miranda Tapsell’s gorgeous 2019 film Top End Wedding, you won’t want to miss this delightful follow-on, which sees Lauren (Tapsall) and Ned’s (Gwilym Lee) story continued for TV. When we pick up, the couple is happily living their ‘DINK’ life in Adelaide when a family tragedy sees them relocate to the Top End to care for Lauren’s tween niece, Bub, played by Gladys-May Kelly. This will give you all the feels — must-see TV.